Ceremonial welcome at White House for French President Hollande

Feb. 11 - President Obama and the First Lady greet French President Francois Hollande as he arrives at the White House. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

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ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
French President Francois Hollande arrived at the White House Tuesday to a ceremonial welcome.
President Obama and the First Lady greeted Hollande on the South Lawn for his two-day state visit to Washington.
The two leaders stood side by side for the outdoor ceremony as a military band played the national anthems for both countries.
Obama and Hollande took time to greet people who had gathered on the South Lawn before making brief remarks.
"Today on behalf of the American people and Michelle and myself, it is a great honor to welcome my friend, President Hollande and his delegation for their first state visit to the United States. In fact, the first state visit by a French president in nearly 20 years," said Obama.
President Obama invited Hollande for the state visit to highlight the long relationship between the two countries. The two leaders have worked together on responding to Iran's nuclear program, Syria's civil war and insurgent attacks in Mali.
After the leaders meet on Tuesday, the White House has invited about 350 guests to a state dinner honoring Hollande. It is only the seventh such gala hosted by Obama and his wife Michelle since they moved into the White House in 2009.

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